overlook 1 of 2

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as in to dominate
to look down on the fortress overlooks the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to possess
to cast a spell on the superstitious grandmother actually believed that the baby had been overlooked by a gypsy woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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overlook

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noun

as in lookout
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible just down the road there's a great overlook where you can get a panoramic view of the valley below

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word overlook distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of overlook are disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would disregard be a good substitute for overlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to overlook, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When is it sensible to use forget instead of overlook?

While the synonyms forget and overlook are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

Where would ignore be a reasonable alternative to overlook?

The words ignore and overlook can be used in similar contexts, but ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than overlook?

The words neglect and overlook are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When can slight be used instead of overlook?

In some situations, the words slight and overlook are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overlook
Verb
Tillman's recognition comes during Severance's dominant awards season, with the Apple TV+ series earning 27 Emmy nominations this year—a significant jump from 14 nominations in 2022 when Tillman was notably overlooked. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 Middle managers are often overlooked, overworked, and underappreciated. Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
The best—and most popular—driving route for leaf viewing is along Skyline Drive, which has no fewer than 75 scenic overlooks along its 105 miles. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025 While many of these overlook the ocean, some balcony rooms and suites on the interior of the ship overlook Surfside or Central Park. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overlook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlook
Verb
  • Carr had been a game warden in Northern Rhodesia (as Zambia was then called), where hunting dominated.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While oversized leather bomber jackets and trench coats continue to dominate fall trend reports, more voluminous, blanketing silhouettes will surely gain momentum as temperatures begin to plummet.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That many in the media have ignored the unit’s rise is an indictment.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Amid all its glorious and aesthetic architecture lies the massive environmental impact that cannot be ignored.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Four university police officers supervised the event, setting up what appeared to be a sort of perimeter surrounding the group.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In this photo, mama, who liked posing for the camera, supervises her litter of kittens.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Federal prosecutors charged Cucul-Bol in May with possessing a false permanent resident card, possessing a false Social Security card, false use of a passport, and making a false statement on a bank application, according to the Department of Justice.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The creature that possessed the unfortunate Ensign Gamble finds a way back from its permanent transporter buffer exile, and is able to exert a malign influence on a whole new generation of followers.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Fashion and sociology experts say that, when examining the significance of any bold fashion statement such as Robbie's, context plays an important role.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This fall, the Louis Vuitton men’s creative director examines the transatlantic cultural exchange that was central to classic collegiate style, marrying rowing aesthetics with dandyism.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If a Manchester United fan missed this game (good call, by the way) and just looked at the post-match stats, they could be forgiven for thinking their boys put up a decent display.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Both characters struggle to forgive themselves for past mistakes and are reluctant to dive back into relationships.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What began as a handful of campus groups now stretches across more than 3,500 high schools and universities, supported by dozens of full-time staff who manage student activists like a professional sales force.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • At the same time, the industry is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to manage tariff risks, optimize logistics costs, and ensure pricing compliance across complex regulatory environments.
    Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While on site, adjust your path to coordinate with feeding times and notice the many art installations, many of which look like real animals, so be on the lookout.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The lieutenant also reminded drivers to keep a lookout for troopers.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlook. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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